Parish Clerk: Sherrie Babington

Parish Councillors

Chairman

I joined the Parish Council in spring 2010. Then became Vice Chairman of Leeds Parish Council and Chair the Parish Highways Committee and in May 2015 became the Parish Council Chairman. I also lead & maintain the Parish Council website & e-newsletter. I am delighted we have made a start to reduce speeding traffic and am trying to reduce the volume of cars and overweight HGV lorries in the village & I am committed to doing more and to getting the village a by-pass road. I am passionate about trying to engage more residents in a rural village community.

Chief Executive of the Single Financial Guidance Body (Money Advice Service, The Pension Advisory Service and Pension Wise).

I've lived in Leeds village since 2003 with my wife and family in Upper Street and have 4 grown up children. I've had a varied career ranging from; Deputy CEO/Managing Director of all Surrey County Council services to 1.1m Surrey Residents (with a £1.2bn budget), to Commercial Board Director of P&O and also Stena LIne Ferries. I was the Head of Marketing at Tesco.

=====================================================================

Vice Chairman

Councillor Bob China

My name is Bob China, I am 66 years old, have lived on the outskirts of Leeds for 6 years with my wife Celia who between us we have three daughters and a son.

I am semi-retired having ran my own business installing standby generators for some 15 years and now have some spare time on my hands which is why I joined the PC, having been co-opted on in March 2012 (and became Vice Chairman in May 2015), to offer my services as and when required.

Leeds village and the surrounding area is being changed, not always in the best interests of the residents and I feel we all need to voice our views and have a strong PC to represent us and air them to local and national government.

My interests are golf, gardening, walking, cooking and socialising with friends and family.==================================================================

Councillor Gill Fort

I
have lived in Leeds since 1998 and have served on the Parish Council
for over 10 years being elected as Chairman in August 2011

I have worked on
drafting and implementing the Parish Plan and was involved in the Joint
Parishes Group objection to the KIG proposal at junction 8 which was
ultimately successful. I sit on the planning committee. I joined the
Parish Council because wanted to be involved in making Leeds a better
place to live in. There have been some major obstacles not least the
B2163. I am committed in trying to reduce traffic and HGV’s on our road.Outside
of Parish Council I live with my husband and 2 daughter who have both
attended local schools and I work in the insurance industry.

==================================================================

Councillor Richard Springford

I have been living in the village of Leeds since August 1992 having moved from Maidstone with my Wife and Special Needs son. I became a Parish Councillor in 2012 attending my first meeting in October.

The reason for applying and becoming a Parish Councillor was after living in the village for over 20years with my business interests scaling back I felt I had the time to help put something back by being a member of the Parish Council.

I have over 35years business experience in the management of large National and International Transport and Logistics Operations and still have business interests involved in Worldwide freight movements and a Marine operation on the River Thames.

In my spare time I am a Liveryman and Freeman of the City of London along with being a warden of the Company of Watermen & Lightermen of the River Thames, other interests include getting involved in Vintage Commercial Vehicles and Tractors and supporting local charities including Maidstone Mencap through being a member of Maidstone Riverside Rotary Club.

=====================================================================

Councillor Ian Bowles

Having gown up in a
similar sized Village before exploring the UK & Europe. I finally settled
in Kent 20 years ago. I moved to the Village 12 years ago and after a short
break in 2008, came back to the settle in Village where I feel very much at
home.

I started my working
career in Engineering as Designer before developing into Project Engineering
& Project Management. I have also spent a number of years working in
Education, before settling at the Castle in 2006. I have also been a School Governor
in the Maidstone area, as well time as a Community First Responder for the
SECAmb.

I am a strong
supporter of Village Community Life, and keen supporter of projects such as
Lorry Watch and other projects that improve life in the Village and surrounding
area.

=====================================================================

Councillor Lesley martin

My name is Lesley Martin I'm 69 years old & was born in
Maidstone. Ive lived in this area since1969 & in Leeds for 18 years. I
was a barmaid in the Ten Bells for 12 years then the George for 3 years,
so I know a lot of the characters & history of the village.

I am retired after helping my husband Peter run his business for 25 years on the accounts.

I was the lorry watch coordinator and a member of the WI and president for 3 years.

My
reason for applying to become a member of the Parish council is I want
to give them my support especially over weight lorries and getting the
bypass.

I like to involve myself in all village activities.

My interests are watching my big grandson play rugby for Maidstone and my younger one play football for Vinters

====================================================================

Councillor Rayne Beale

I have
lived in the village for eight years, running Ash cottage bed-and-breakfast for
the past six year (as at 2015). I also help my husband run an electrical
contracting company.

In my
previous working life I managed an estate agency, was a petrochemical buyer, an
energy management cost consultant specialising in trade effluent and a
financial adviser.

I have always taken a keen interest in the natural world and
environmental issues and feel this is a good time to get more involved in our
local community by joining the Parish Council.